The new IACS Chairman, Dr. Sun Licheng (also Chairman and President China Classification Society) has emphasized the need to strengthen relationships with regulators and industry to meet Goalbased Standards in tandem with enhancing IACS' technical contribution and leadership in the global shipbuilding and shipping industry as goals of his tenure as Chairman of IACS.

Having assumed the role of IACS Chairman at the end of the 73rd session of the IACS Council (C73) in Washington, DC on June 29, 2016, Dr. Sun recently met with industry leaders in London to set out his vision as Chairman. Meetings took place with IUMI, BIMCO, ICS, IG, JHC, INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, SIGTTO and OCIMF, as well as with regulators, including IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim and Fotis Karamitsos of the European Union's DG Move.

In the coming year, Dr. Sun has pledged to develop safer, more environmentally friendly and energy efficient rules and standards through strengthened cooperation with regulatory bodies and the industry. Meeting the commitments IACS has made to the IMO in relation to Goal Based Standards remains paramount but he will use his Chairmanship to also support innovation and promote application of new technologies, including cyber technology and intelligent ships.

Further, Dr. Sun has expressed a desire to promote IACS' position as a global association, by highlighting the commitment of all IACS members to quality operations and their equal contribution and continuous development of the Association.

Dr. Sun said: "IACS has a key role as an essential provider of services necessary for the safe and efficient functioning of the global maritime industry. IACS' unshakeable commitment to quality and to technological leadership combine with its willingness to work closely with regulators and industry to enhance our Members' ability to provide those services and advance our shared goals of safer, cleaner shipping."

Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development.

More than 90% of the world's cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.

The IACS Council, the governing body of the Association, consists of one representative from each Member Society. The Council elects a Chair, by rotation, from among its Members. The Chair acts as the Principal Officer of the Association for a period of 12 months.

More information about IACS can be found by visiting our website: www.iacs.org.uk